Modular Spinal Implant

ABSTRACT

The current modular implant is particularly useful in spinal surgical procedures. The modular implant can be provided with two anchors and a central section.

This Application claims priority to application Ser. No.17/183,420—Modular Spinal Implant—filed Feb. 24, 2021 that claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/032,543—Spinal Implant—filedon May 30, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A. Field of the Invention

Among other things, the present invention is particularly suited forimplantation into mammalian spinal tissues. The current invention is amodular spinal implant. Preferred embodiments of the spinal implantinclude a central section connected to first and second endplates. Thepresent invention can also include a spinal implant component and aninsertion device component.

B. Description of the Previous Art

Any discussion of references cited herein merely summarizes thedisclosures of the cited references. Applicant makes no admission thatany cited reference or portion thereof is relevant prior art. Applicantreserves the right to challenge the accuracy, relevancy and veracity ofthe cited references. Patents and Published Patent Applications mayindicate a state-of-art include: 1) U.S. Pat. No. 9,603,717—Ibarra, etal. discloses a system and method for an expandable intervertebralimplant; 2) U.S. Pat. No. 8,323,1675—Rhoda discloses an intervertebralimplant; 3) U.S. Pat. No. 9,561,116—Weiman, et al. discloses anexpandable fusion device and method of installation thereof; 4) U.S.Pat. No. 7,708,777—O'Neil, et al. discloses modular intervertebral discreplacements; 5) U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,876—Dooris, et al. disclose anintervertebral disc prosthesis with shear-limiting core; 6) U.S. Pat.No. 9,962,269—Jones, et al. discloses an implant with independentendplates; and 7) US Published Patent Application 20030187506—Ross, etal. discloses a modular disc prosthesis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a biocompatible implant for bone, and theinvention is particularly suited for implantation in to spinal tissues.

Advantageously, the current modular spinal implant can be assembledwithin the surgical field or surgically created cavity or the spinalimplant can also be assembled prior to insertion into the surgicallycreated cavity. Unlike prior art spinal implants, the insertion tool'shandles and implantable anchors or endplates can also be utilized toimpose distraction forces to the surgical field which can improve theease of surgical placement of the central section between the anchorsimplanted into the surgically created cavity. Subsequent to theplacement of the central section between the endplates, the insertiondevice's handles can be removed—leaving the present modular spinalimplant surgically implanted in the surgically created cavity.

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a spinal implant.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a modular spinalimplant.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a modularspinal implant that can be assembled in the surgically created cavity.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spinalimplant system including a spinal implant component and a complementaryinsertion device component.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a modularspinal implant including a central section connected to first and secondendplates secured to the surgically created cavity.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spinalimplant that can be inserted by anterior or posterior surgicalprocedures.

Yet still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a spinalsystem where the combination of the opposed endplates and the handles ofthe insertion tool component function as a distraction device prior toinsertion of the central section of the spinal implant.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide endplates thatcreate lordosis for the implanted modular spinal implant.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a centralsection with a chamber for receiving graft and other medically usefulsubstances that can be dispersed outward from the central sectionsubsequent to closure of the surgical site.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a surgicalimplant that can be implanted into the surgically created cavity with orwithout radiography.

Yet still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a coverplate that further secures the spinal implant implanted into thesurgically created cavity.

A preferred embodiment of the current invention can be described as amodular spinal implant adapted for implantation into a surgicallycreated cavity; the modular spinal implant comprising: a) a firstendplate, positioned at a first site of the surgically created cavity,including a first outer perimeter sized to correspond with a firstlongitudinal side of a central section of the spinal implant; the firstendplate comprising: i) a first planar side including a first tongueperpendicular to the first planar side and extending toward the centerof the spinal implant, wherein the first tongue is of lesser length thanthe first planar side; ii) a second side opposed to the first planarside; the second side comprising grippers adapted to engage the firstsite; iii) opposed first and second curved edges positioned betweenopposed first and second linear edges; the edges extending between thefirst planar side and the second side, wherein the first linear edge isof lesser length than the second linear edge creating an angled secondside relative to the first planar side; iv) first and second slotstraversing an approximate length of each curved edge; b) a secondendplate, positioned at a second site of the surgically created cavity,including a second outer perimeter sized to correspond with a secondlongitudinal side of the central section of the spinal implant; thesecond endplate comprising: i) a first planar side including a secondtongue perpendicular to the first planar side and extending toward thefirst tongue, wherein the second tongue is of lesser length than thefirst planar side; ii) a second side opposed to the first planar side;the second side comprising grippers adapted to engage the second site;iii) opposed first and second curved margins positioned between opposedfirst and second linear margins; the margins extending between the firstplanar side and the second side, wherein the first margin is of lesserlength than the second linear margin creating an angled second siderelative to the first planar side; iv) first and second slits traversingan approximate length of each curved margin; and c) the central sectionconnected to the first endplate and the second endplate; the centralsection comprising: i) a first groove positioned on the firstlongitudinal side of the central section and extending inward from thefirst longitudinal side of the central section; the first groovecomprising a first gateway, in the first longitudinal side of thecentral section, providing slidable engagement for the first tongue; ii)a second groove positioned on a second longitudinal side of the centralsection and extending inward from the second longitudinal side of thecentral section; the second groove comprising a second gateway, in thesecond longitudinal side of the central section, providing slidableengagement for the second tongue, wherein the combination of grooves andtongues secure the central section between the first and secondendplates; iii) two opposed openings adapted to engage one or moreguidewires; iv) a female receptacle adapted to engage a surgical tool;v) an internal chamber; and vi) one or more apertures exposing theinternal chamber to the surgically created cavity.

Another preferred embodiment of the current invention can be describedas a modular spinal implant adapted for implantation into a surgicallycreated cavity; the modular spinal implant comprising a first anchorpositioned at a first site of the surgically created cavity, a secondanchor positioned at a second site of the surgically created cavity anda cylindrical-like central section, wherein first and second lengthwiseends of the central section are sandwiched between complementary inwardsides of the first anchor and the second anchor anchored to thesurgically created cavity: a) the cylindrical-like central sectioncomprising: i) a first interconnector positioned at the first lengthwiseend; ii) a second interconnector positioned at the second lengthwiseside; b) the first anchor comprising: i) a first inward side coplanarwith the first lengthwise end; the first inward side comprising a thirdinterconnector adapted to mate with the first interconnector; ii) asecond outward side comprising first grippers adapted to engage thefirst site, wherein the second outward side of the first anchor isslanted relative to the first inward side; iii) at least two curvededges extending between the first inward side and the second outwardside; and iv) first and second slots adapted to receive a surgicalinstrument distinct from the modular spinal implant allowing the modularspinal implant to be assembled in the surgically created cavity or priorto implantation into the surgically cavity; c) the second anchorcomprising: i) a first inward side coplanar with the second lengthwiseend, the first inward side comprising a fourth interconnector adapted tomate with the second interconnector; ii) a second outward sidecomprising second grippers adapted to engage the second site, whereinthe second outward side of the second anchor is slanted relative to thefirst side; iii) at least two curved margins extending between the firstinward side and the second outward side; and iv) first and second slitsadapted to receive a surgical instrument distinct from the modularspinal implant allowing the modular spinal implant to be assembled inthe surgically created cavity or prior to implantation into thesurgically cavity.

Still another preferred embodiment of the current invention can bedescribed as a modular spinal implant adapted for implantation into asurgically created cavity; the modular spinal implant comprising a firstanchor positioned at a first site of the surgically created cavity, asecond anchor positioned at a second site of the surgically createdcavity and a cylindrical-like central section, wherein first and secondlengthwise ends of the central section are sandwiched between inwardsides of the first anchor and the second anchor anchored to thesurgically created cavity: a) the cylindrical-like central sectioncomprising: i) a first interconnector positioned at the first lengthwiseend; ii) a second interconnector positioned at the second lengthwiseside; b) the first anchor comprising: i) a first inward side coplanarwith the first lengthwise end; the first inward side comprising a thirdinterconnector adapted to mate with the first interconnector; ii) asecond outward side comprising first grippers adapted to engage thefirst site; and iii) first and second slots adapted to receive asurgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant allowingthe modular spinal implant to be assembled in the surgically createdcavity or prior to implantation into the surgically cavity; c) thesecond anchor comprising: i) a first inward side coplanar with thesecond lengthwise end, the first inward side comprising a fourthinterconnector adapted to mate with the second interconnector; ii) asecond outward side comprising second grippers adapted to engage thesecond site; and iii) first and second slits adapted to receive asurgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant allowingthe modular spinal implant to be assembled in the surgically createdcavity or prior to implantation into the surgically cavity.

It is the novel and unique interaction of these simple elements whichcreates the apparatus and methods, within the ambit of the presentinvention. Pursuant to Title 35 of the United States Code, descriptionsof preferred embodiments follow. However, it is to be understood thatthe best mode descriptions do not limit the scope of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of modular spinal implant (30).

FIG. 1a is frontal view of endplate (40).

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the modular spinal implant (30) shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective of endplate (40, 60).

FIG. 4 is a top view of end plate (40, 60) shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is another perspective of endplate (40, 60).

FIG. 6 is side view of endplate (40, 60) shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective of central section (90).

FIG. 8 is another perspective of central section (90).

FIG. 9 is a perspective of insertion tool component (120).

FIG. 10 is a perspective of insertion tool component (120).

FIG. 11 is perspective of insertion tool component (120) and modularspinal implant (30).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Although the disclosure hereof is detailed to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention, the embodiments published hereinmerely exemplify the present invention.

In the most general sense, the present invention is an implant for bone.The implant can be a modular spinal implant. Among other things, thecurrent invention can be adapted for use with mammalian vertebra. It isbelieved that the present implant is particularly adapted forimplantation into any region of the spine. The current modular spinalimplant is adaptable for use with either the state-of-the art anteriorentry or posterior entry spinal surgical techniques.

Advantageously, the modular spinal implant can be assembled within thesurgical field or surgically created cavity or the spinal implant canalso be assembled prior to insertion into the surgically created cavity.Further, embodiments of the modular spinal implant are capable ofproviding distraction forces and a corridor for insertion of graft andother medically useful substances into the modular spinal implant. It isalso anticipated that the corridor or conduit can transportbiocompatible devices/substances, such as adhesives, cameras, cannulas,fiber optics, implants, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are manufactured oftitanium alloys, stainless steel, non-resorbable polymers,polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or any other composition acceptable in theart. Embodiments of the current spinal implant can be manufactured ofany biocompatible substance or material acceptable in the art or anycombination thereof. The present spinal implant can be inserted into thesurgical cavity with or without radiography.

Within the scope of the present invention, it has advantageously beendiscovered apertures of the central section of implant range from about3 millimeters to about 50 millimeters; widths of the central sectionrange from about 10 millimeters to about 40 millimeters; lengths of thecentral section range from about 10 millimeters to about 120millimeters; and depths of the central section range about 10millimeters to about 28 millimeters. Endplates or anchors of the currentinvention can have widths of up to about 38 millimeters and heights ofup to about 20 millimeters. Endplates can be adapted to provide lordosisfor the central section that ranges from about 0 to 20 degrees relativeto ground.

Enabled preferred embodiments of spinal implant component (30) andinsertion tool component (120) are portrayed in FIGS. 1-11. In some ofthe Figures, for similar parts of spinal implant's (30) first endplateor anchor (40) and second endplate or anchor (60), different referencenumbers identify similar elements associated with both the first anchor(40) and the second anchor (60). Those skilled in the art recognize thatspinal implant (30) can be used in numerous surgeries in differentregions of the body. Because of this fact, the potential kinds ofsurgically created cavities into which spinal implant (30) can beimplanted or inserted are not shown in the Drawings.

The spinal implant or spinal implant component (30) adapted forimplantation into a surgically created cavity is provided with a firstendplate (40) positioned at a first site of the surgically createdcavity, a second endplate (60) positioned at a second site opposed fromthe first site of the surgically created cavity and a central section(90) positioned between the opposed endplates (40, 60).

First endplate (40) has a first planar side (42) that includes a firsttongue or interconnector (44) perpendicular to the first planar side(42) and extending toward the center of the spinal implant (30) and asecond side (46) opposed to the first planar side (42) where the secondside (46) has grippers (48) adapted to engage the first site. Firstendplate (40) can be provided with first orifice (41) extending throughthe first endplate (42). In select embodiments of first endplate (40), afirst portion of grippers (48) encircles the first orifice (41) and asecond portion of the grippers (48) spans across the first orifice (41).First endplate (40) is also provided with opposed first and secondcurved edges (50, 52) positioned between opposed first and second linearedges (54, 56) where the edges (50, 52, 54, 56) extend between the firstplanar side (42) and the second side (46). As shown, the first linearedge (54) is of lesser length than the second linear edge (56) creatingan angled second side (46) relative to the first planar side (42). Slots(58F, 58S) traverse the approximate length of each curved edge (50, 52).Select preferred embodiments of first tongue (44) can include a channel(110) adapted to receive a first guidewire (200). Interlocker (44) caninclude a gap (45) extending outward from the first orifice (41).

Second endplate (60) has a first planar side (62) that includes a secondtongue or interlocker (64) perpendicular to the first planar side (62)and extending toward the first tongue or interlocker (44) and a secondside (66) opposed to the first planar side (62) where the second side(66) has grippers (68) adapted to engage the second site. Secondendplate (60) can be provided with second orifice (63) extending throughthe second endplate (60). In select embodiments of second endplate (40),a first portion of grippers (68) encircles the second orifice (63) and asecond portion of the grippers (68) spans across the second orifice(63). Second endplate (60) is also provided with opposed first andsecond curved margins (70, 72) positioned between opposed first andsecond linear margins (74, 76) where the margins (70, 72, 74, 76) extendbetween the first planar side (62) and the second side (66). As shown,the first margin (74) is of lesser length than the second linear margin(76) creating an angled second side relative to the first planar side(62). Slits (78F, 78S) traverse the approximate length of each curvedmargin (70, 72). Select preferred embodiments of second tongue (64) caninclude a conduit (112) adapted to receive a second guidewire (210).Interlocker (64) can include a gap (65) extending outward from thesecond orifice (63).

Spinal implant (30) is also provided with a central section (90)connected to the first endplate (40) and the second endplate (60). Inselect preferred embodiments of the current invention, central section(90) is sandwiched between first anchor (40) and second anchor (60)anchored to the surgically created cavity. Central section (90) has afirst groove or interlocker (92) for engaging the first tongue orinterlocker (44) and a second groove or interlocker (94) for engagingthe second tongue or interlocker (64). The combination of grooves andtongues or interlockers (92, 94, 44, 64) secure the central section (90)between the first and second endplates (40, 60). Interlocker (92) caninclude first gateway (93) in wall (91) and interlocker (94) can includesecond gateway (95) in wall (91) of interlocker (94) providingengagement with interlockers (44, 64). Regardless of the design ofinterlockers (92, 94, 44, 64) utilized, each interlocker adapted to matewith its corresponding interlocker. In select preferred embodiments, oneor more detents (not shown) can be included to further secure thecombination of grooves and tongues (92, 94, 44, 64). Central section(90) can also be provided with: two opposed openings (96, 98) adapted toengage one or more guidewires (200, 210); a female receptacle (100)adapted to engage a surgical tool (not shown); an internal chamber(102); and one or more apertures (104) exposing the internal chamber(102) to the surgically created cavity (not shown).

Preferred embodiments of the insertion tool component (120) can beprovided with: a detachable first handle (130) with two prongs (132F,132S) for engaging the first and second slots (58F, 58S) of firstendplate (40) and a detachable second handle (140) with two tines (142F,142S) for engaging the first and second slits (78F, 78S) of secondendplate (60). It was discovered that combination of first handle (130)and first endplate (40) and second handle (140) and second endplate (60)can create a distraction device for improving ease of insertion ofcentral section (90) onto tongues (44, 64) of endplates or anchors (40,60) attached to the surgically created cavity. Although not shown in theDrawings, it has been discovered that prongs (132F, 132S) can beprovided with first and second caliper components to measure one or morespaces of the surgically created cavity.

In accordance with the present invention, when surgical parametersrequire, tongues (44, 64) can be positioned on central section (90) andgrooves (92, 94) positioned on endplates or anchors (40, 60). Within thescope of the current invention, anchors (40, 60) can be structures otherthan plate-like endplates.

Another preferred embodiment of modular spinal implant (30) is providedwith a first anchor (40) positioned at a first site of the surgicallycreated cavity, a second anchor (60) positioned at a second site opposedfrom the first site of the surgically created cavity and a centralsection (90) positioned between opposed anchors (40, 60).

First anchor (40) has a first smooth side (42) that includes a firsttongue (44) extending toward the center of the spinal implant (30) and asecond side (46) opposed to the first planar side (42) where the secondside (46) has grippers (48) adapted to engage the first site. Firstanchor (40) is also provided with opposed first and second curved edges(50, 52) positioned between opposed first and second linear edges (54,56) where the edges (50, 52, 54, 56) extend between the first smoothside (42) and the second side (46). Slots (58F, 58S) traverse theapproximate length of each curved edge (50, 52). Select preferredembodiments of first tongue (44) can include a channel (110) adapted toreceive a first guidewire (200).

Second anchor (60) has a first smooth side (62) that includes a secondtongue (64) extending toward the first tongue (44) and a second side(66) opposed to the first smooth side (62) where the second side (66)has grippers (68) adapted to engage the second site. Second anchor (60)is also provided with opposed first and second curved margins (70, 72)positioned between opposed first and second linear margins (74, 76)where the margins (70, 72, 74, 76) extend between the first planar side(62) and the second side (66). Slits (78F, 78S) traverse the approximatelength of each curved margin (70, 72). Select preferred embodiments ofsecond tongue (64) can include a conduit (112) adapted to receive asecond guidewire (210).

Applicant has enabled, described and disclosed the invention as requiredby Title 35 of the United States Code.

What is claimed is: 1) A modular spinal implant adapted for implantationinto a surgically created cavity; the modular spinal implant comprising:a) a cylindrical-like central section comprising a first end interlockerand an opposed second end interlocker; b) a first anchor positioned at afirst site of the surgically created cavity; the first anchorcomprising: a first inward side interlocker adapted to engage the firstend interlocker and extending toward the first end interlocker and asecond outward side comprising first grippers adapted to engage thefirst site; and c) a second anchor positioned at a second site of thesurgically created cavity; the second anchor comprising: a first innerside interlocker adapted to engage the second end interlocker andextending toward the second end interlocker and a second outer sidecomprising second grippers adapted to engage the second site of thesurgically created cavity, wherein the modular spinal implant isassembled in the surgically created cavity or prior to implantation intothe surgically created cavity. 2) The modular spinal implant of claim 1,wherein: a) the first anchor comprises at least one or more curved edgesextending between the first inward side of the first anchor and thesecond outward side of the first anchor; and b) the second anchorcomprises one or more curved margins extending between the first innerside of the second anchor and the second outer side of the secondanchor. 3) The modular spinal implant of claim 1, wherein a) the firstanchor comprises first and second slots adapted to receive a surgicalinstrument distinct from the modular spinal implant and b) the secondanchor comprises first and second slits adapted to receive a surgicalinstrument distinct from the modular spinal implant. 4) The modularspinal implant of claim 1 comprising: a) an internal chamber; and b) oneor more apertures exposing the internal chamber to the surgicallycreated cavity. 5) The modular spinal implant of claim 1, wherein: a)the first anchor comprises a first orifice extending through the firstanchor; b) the second anchor comprises a second orifice extendingthrough the second anchor; and c) a first portion of the first andsecond grippers encircles the first and second orifices and a secondportion of the first and second grippers spans across the first andsecond orifices. 6) The modular spinal implant of claim 3 furthercomprising a device distinct from the modular spinal implant forinserting the modular spinal implant into the surgically created cavity,wherein the device comprises: a) a first handle comprising two prongsadapted to engage the first and second slots of the first anchor; and b)a second handle comprising two tines adapted to engage the first andsecond slits of the second anchor. 7) A modular spinal implant adaptedfor implantation into a surgically created cavity; the modular spinalimplant comprising: a) a central section comprising a first endinterlocker and an opposed second end interlocker; b) a first anchorcomprising: a first inward side interlocker adapted to engage the firstend interlocker and a second outward side comprising first grippers; andc) a second anchor comprising: a first inner side interlocker adapted toengage the second end interlocker and a second outer side comprisingsecond grippers, wherein the modular spinal implant is assembled in thesurgically created cavity or prior to implantation into the surgicallycreated cavity and the combination of first grippers, second grippers,first inward side interlocker, first inner side interlocker, first endinterlocker and second end interlocker secure modular spinal implant tothe surgically created cavity. 8) The modular spinal implant of claim 7,wherein: a) the first anchor comprises at least one or more curved edgesextending between the first inward side of the first anchor and thesecond outward side of the first anchor; and b) the second anchorcomprises one or more curved margins extending between the first innerside of the second anchor and the second outer side of the secondanchor. 9) The modular spinal implant of claim 7, wherein a) the firstinward side interlocker extends toward the first end interlocker; and b)the first inner side interlocker extends toward the second endinterlocker. 10) The modular spinal implant of claim 7, wherein a) thefirst anchor comprises first and second slots adapted to receive asurgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant; and b) thesecond anchor comprises first and second slits adapted to receive asurgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant. 11) Themodular spinal implant of claim 7 comprising: a) an internal chamber;and b) one or more apertures exposing the internal chamber to thesurgically created cavity. 12) The modular spinal implant of claim 7,wherein: a) the first anchor comprises a first orifice extending throughthe first anchor; b) the second anchor comprises a second orificeextending through the second anchor; and c) a first portion of the firstand second grippers encircles the first and second orifices and a secondportion of the first and second grippers spans across the first andsecond orifices. 13) The modular spinal implant of claim 10 furthercomprising a device distinct from the modular spinal implant forinserting the modular spinal implant into the surgically created cavity,wherein the device comprises: a) a first handle comprising two prongsadapted to engage the first and second slots of the first anchor; and b)a second handle comprising two tines adapted to engage the first andsecond slits of the second anchor. 14) An anchor for securing a firstside of a modular spinal implant to a first site of a surgically createdcavity; the anchor comprising: a) a inward side interlocker extendingtoward and adapted to engage a corresponding interlocker of the spinalimplant; b) a second outward side comprising grippers adapted to engagethe first site; c) at least one curved edge extending between the inwardside and the second outward side, wherein the anchor can be connectedwith the modular spinal implant in the surgically created cavity orprior to implantation into the surgically created cavity. 15) The anchorof claim 14 comprising first and second slots adapted to receive asurgical instrument distinct from the modular spinal implant. 16) Theanchor of claim 15 comprising an orifice extending through the anchor.17) The anchor of claim 16, wherein a first portion of the grippersencircles the orifice and a second portion of the grippers spans acrossfirst orifice. 18) The anchor of claim 17, wherein first and secondslots traverse an approximate length of each curved edge. 19) The anchorof claim 18, wherein the corresponding interlocker is a groove and theinward side interlocker is a tongue. 20) The anchor of claim 19, whereinthe tongue is lesser length than inward side of anchor.